Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Set for Another Big Final Me...

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic Set for Another Big Final Meeting in China

The China Open is one of the ATP tour’s final major tennis tournaments of 2013. Bringing together most of the great tennis stars, this year’s edition could feature another dramatic final match between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Although Nadal defeated Djokovic in the US Open (also played on a hard court) last month, he has yet to take over the number 1 rank in tennis. Should Nadal reach the final, the rank should be his regardless of whether he beats the Serbian again.

Nadal holds a strong margin of victories over Djokovic, leading their head-to-head matchups 22-15, though they have been even 3-3 in Grand Slam Finals. Nadal has been dominant in match-ups this year, leading 3-1 since his remarkable return from injury. Making a career renaissance of sorts, the hard-hitting Nadal would love to cap off the year with another title and a return to the top rank in Men’s Tennis.

But Djokovic has won 3 of the last 4 China Open tournaments, while Nadal’s lone victory was back in 2005. One must assume that Djokovic will be looking at this match as an opportunity to avenge his two Grand Slam losses to the Spaniard this year (one in the US Open final, and one in the French Open semi-finals). Even if he knows the top rank is already lost for this match, he will surely be playing for pride. Nevertheless, these two players are the most exciting and talented in the fold this year, and should they avoid being upset in earlier rounds, could feature in an extremely delightful China Open Final matchup!

Nicholas Spiller has enjoyed the sport of tennis for many years.An enthusiast who covers all major sports, he finds tennis to be one of the most pleasant and inspirational games around to watch. He also spends his time as a musician in Los Angeles.